Newhealthcare options begin Tuesday as the marketplace opens and uninsuredAmericans can start signing up for a plan under the new Affordable Care Act.

Thereare more than 1.5 million people in Ohio who don't have health insurance.Several different plans will be available for individuals and small businessowners to choose from, starting Tuesday.

Thosewho sign up by Dec. 14 will see their coverage kick in by the new year, andleaders at UTMC say when that kicks in, they're expecting fewer people to delayhealth visits they might need.

"Thosepeople who have not had health insurance will have the security of beingcovered, so they're more likely to see a doctor or go to the hospital," saidDr. Carl Sirio, vice president of medical affairs at UTMC. "What many folks donow is just delay healthcare, often times until much later than they should."

Openenrollment for healthcare runs until March 31. After that, uninsured Americanscould face a fine.